Everything You Need to Know About Tooth Extractions

Tooth decay is the main reason for tooth loss. When you at starchy foods, bacteria react with the sugary and produce acids that wear away the enamel of your teeth. If you don’t take care of your dentition, this damage causes cavities, and if you don’t visit a dentist near you for treatment, the infection spreads.

If untreated, the damage may be irreparable, leading to undergo tooth extraction in Yaletown.

Tooth extraction is the last option that we offer our patients. Our dentist near you will recommend crown length, root canal therapy, dental crowns, or dental fillings. 

If your doctor considered all the options but the damage is too severe; then, you may look for tooth extraction near you.

As we mentioned above, when irreparable, our dentist in Yaletown will extract the dental piece. We will explain the procedure below.

What is Tooth Extraction?

The name says it all. It is the act of pulling out the infected tooth before the damage spreads to other tissues. If a dentist does not extract an infected dental piece, the infection may spread to other parts of your body and cause sepsis.

However, tooth extractions are not only for infected teeth. There are cases, such as impacted teeth, where your dentist also needs to remove them. It is a usual procedure for wisdom teeth.

Your dental professional may also decide to extract a tooth for orthodontic purposes or to create more room in your mouth (in cases of over-crooked teeth).

What to Expect from the Procedure?

First, your dental professional will take a set of x-rays to check the position and anatomy of the tooth. They may ask for a blood test before the treatment and discuss any medical condition you may have. 

There are some medicines that you must stop before the procedure, such as Aspirin, because it interferes with the blood’s clotting.

Types of Dental Extractions

Tooth extractions may be simple or surgical. When the tooth has completely erupted on the mouth and is visible, your dentist performs a simple extraction.

Surgical extractions are for teeth that are not fully emerged. Since your dentist will perform an incision on your gums, you may feel more discomfort after the procedure.

We recommend looking for an oral surgeon dentist near you if you require a surgical procedure.

Post Operative Instructions 

After undergoing a dental extraction, it is essential to follow these instructions;

1. Bite down a gauze for 30 minutes. – Your surgeon will provide you with gauze, and you must gently bite it down for the clot to form. It will get damped after about an hour. During the first day, change it every hour until the bleeding ceases. If the bleeding persists heavily after the first day, you should contact your dental professional right away.

2. Use ice packs – You may apply an ice pack for ten minutes on and off in the side of the face to reduce swelling for the first two days. If the discomfort persists, you may apply a warm towel.

3. Don’t spit – Avoid spitting and rinsing your mouth for the first 24 hours. Afterward, we advise you to rinse five times a day with salt water (it may be when you wake up, after your three meals, and before bedtime). 

4. Do not exercise – You should avoid any strenuous activities for at least three days not to dislodge the blood clot.

5. Take painkillers – Your doctor may advise you to take any over-the-counter pain medication such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen to alleviate the discomfort during the first days.